"In that hut, did you say? So near? So near?"
"Yes, dear Cora; but be calm."
"Take me there! Take me there! Oh, give me your arm, Uncle Clarence, and help me. My limbs fail now, when I need them more than ever before. Ah! and my heart fails, too!" she moaned, growing suddenly pale and fainter as she leaned heavily against her uncle.
"Cora, darling! Cora, rouse yourself, my girl! This weakness is not like you. Take courage; all will be well," said Mr. Clarence, caressingly, laying his hand on her head.
She sighed heavily as she asked:
"How will he receive me? Oh, how will he receive me? Will he have me now? But he must! Oh, he must! For I will never, never, never go down this mountain side again without him! I will perish on its rocks sooner! Oh, come, come! Help me to reach that hut, Clarence."
There was no resisting her wild and passionate appeal. Clarence put his arm around her waist, to sustain her more effectually, as he said:
"Now lean on me, Cora, and step carefully, for the path is almost hidden, and very rugged."
"Oh, Clarence, did he recognize me? did he, Clarence? did he?" she eagerly inquired.
"Yes, Cora, he did," gravely answered the young uncle.